Tony Cummings reports on the CCM big hitters NEWSBOYS

The Newsboys, the pop rockers originally from Mooloolaba, Queensland, and now a seeming permanent fixture of American CCM, are a sales phenomenon. Now the Grammy-nominated Platinum-selling band, or should that be brand - after all, a grand total of 16 musicians have toured and recorded with newsboys since they first hit the road in 1985 - have received another honour. During a VIP reception at Liscomb University's Allen Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, the band were praised by Jeff Moseley, the president of Newsboys' record label Fair Trade Services, for achieving career sales in excess of 10 million units.

Moseley also announced a full-length Newsboys United recording, set for release next year. The Fair Trade Services project will showcase Newsboys' current lineup - Michael Tait, Duncan Phillips, Jeff Frankenstein and Jody Davis - along with former members Peter Furler and Phil Joel. The supergroup has performed to numerous capacity crowds around the country since reuniting earlier this year. Showcasing "all the hits. . . under one roof. . . for one tour," the Newsboys United Tour is set to play a total of 100 shows in 2018.

Additionally, Newsboys United performed fan favourite "He Reigns" during the 49th Annual GMA Dove Awards, broadcast recently on US television. The band was also recently announced as headliners of the multi-artist Winter Jam 2019 Tour Spectacular - America's largest annual Christian music tour. Newsboys United are set to take the Winter Jam stage beginning 11th January in Jacksonville, Florida, delivering a string of the biggest hits from their three-decade career.

One of the most influential bands in Christian music history, Newsboys have amassed eight Gold certifications, 33 #1 radio hits, four Grammy nominations, two American Music Award nominations and multiple Dove Awards. Their signature songs include "We Believe", "He Reigns", "Miracles", "Born Again" and their Platinum-certified hit, "God's Not Dead" The latter inspired one of the most popular Christian film franchises of all time.